Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita responsive to dapsone therapy.

BACKGROUND

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a chronic subepidermal blistering disease that is frequently resistant to therapy.

OBJECTIVE

A 58-year-old man who had a one-year history of a bullous eruption involving the hands, forearms, trunk, scalp, and oral mucosa. Histopathology revealed a subepidermal bulla, and direct and indirect immunofluorescence studies were consistent with EBA. The patient failed respond to niacinamide and tetracycline and oral prednisone 40 mg per day.

METHODS

Complete control of his blistering was achieved within two months of initiating oral dapsone, 150 mg per day.

CONCLUSION

Dapsone may be an effective agent for some patients with EBA.